Since the DSE reform this year, self-study students’ results have improved significantly, with 21 top scorers achieving full or near-full marks in five subjects within two years. Their strengths in Chinese and math/science have even surpassed day-school students. Competition for university places has intensified due to the influx of Mainland and non-local students. Although JUPAS applicants increased by nearly 10%, those admitted to the 8 funded universities dropped to a record low of 12,357, with some high scorers left without offers.
Data shows non-day-school candidates meeting the minimum standards for the 8 universities surged 87% last year to 1,414 (12.5%). Many of these top scorers are Mainland self-study and non-local students, with math high scorers nearly double day-schoolers, and physics/Chinese scores notably higher; English scores lag slightly. The reform removed liberal studies and Chinese listening tests, reducing barriers for Mainland students, attracting more applicants.
The Education Bureau revealed self-study students have risen to over 100,000, with 75% local status. Mainland tutoring centers actively offer DSE courses, and current policies still allow local-status students to continue competing, heightening JUPAS competition. With stricter policies coming in 2028/29, competition is expected to grow further, and JUPAS reference scores may become unstable.
The Education Bureau stresses preparation takes time and expects no last-minute rush, having balanced societal input and international experience in adjusting quotas and eligibility.
Analysis also shows self-study/non-day-school math high scorers outnumber day-schoolers, with slightly better Chinese and somewhat weaker English. Tighter local-status rules may limit some self-study candidates, but if they switch to day school, competition remains. Increasing uncertainties in JUPAS placements call for close monitoring of self-study applications and subject trends, especially in science.
Overall, the rise of Mainland self-study and non-local students complicates Hong Kong’s university competition, posing challenges for local students and admission policies. Parents and students must analyze trends carefully and adjust strategies to face this intense admission wave.
Written by Alan Chan｜Director of Ontario eSchool
